Simulated weapon

Abstract

A simulated weapon or firearm is provided that is formed with a mechanical operating or firing mechanism similar to that of an actual firearm. The firing mechanism is formed with components found in an actual firearm that are interconnected with components of an electronic mechanism that can monitor and control the mechanical operation of the simulated firearm. This allows for the mechanical operating mechanism to function in a manner similar to that of an actual firearm, while the electronic mechanism can introduce various mechanical failures that do not otherwise occur in the electronics-only operating mechanisms of prior simulated firearms. In addition, the operational cycles of the mechanical and electronic mechanisms are synchronized to provide a highly realistic feel to the simulated weapon.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A simulated firearm comprising:
 a. a body; 
 b. a source of pressurized gas disposed within a magazine releasably disposed within the body, the magazine comprising:
 i) a shell; 
 ii) a cover pivotally connected to the shell to selectively engage the shell and enclose a compartment adapted to receive a compressed gas canister therein; and 
 iii) a cam disposed on the cover, wherein the cam is adapted to urge the compressed gas canister upwardly and inwardly into secure engagement within the compartment when the cover is engaged with the shell; 
 
 c. a mechanical firing mechanism disposed within the body and operably connected to the source of pressurized gas; and 
 d. an electronic control mechanism operably connected to the source of pressurized gas and the mechanical firing mechanism. 
 
     
     
       2. The simulated firearm of  claim 1  wherein the source of pressurized gas is connected to the mechanical firing mechanism by at least one valve. 
     
     
       3. The simulated firearm of  2  wherein the at least one valve is directly connected to the mechanical firing mechanism. 
     
     
       4. The simulated firearm of  claim 3  wherein the electronic control mechanism is operably connected to a slide disposed on the body. 
     
     
       5. The simulated firearm of  claim 4  wherein the electronic control mechanism includes a locking mechanism that is selectively operable to prevent movement of the slide with respect to the body. 
     
     
       6. The simulated firearm of  claim 3  wherein the mechanical firing mechanism includes a hammer that is selectively mechanically engaged with the at least one valve. 
     
     
       7. The simulated firearm of  claim 1  wherein the electronic control mechanism includes at least one sensor to detect the operation of the mechanical firing mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The simulated firearm of  claim 7  wherein the at least one sensor is operably engaged with the trigger. 
     
     
       9. The simulated firearm of  claim 7  wherein the at least one sensor is operably engaged with the slide. 
     
     
       10. The simulated firearm of  claim 1  wherein the electronic control mechanism is disposed partially within the magazine and partially within the body, and wherein the portions disposed within the magazine and the body are operably connected to one another. 
     
     
       11. The simulated firearm of  claim 10  further comprising a wireless connection in the body between the portions of the electronic control mechanism. 
     
     
       12. A method of firing a shot from a simulated firearm comprising the steps of:
 a. providing the simulated firearm of  claim 1 ; and 
 b. operating the mechanical firing mechanism to fire a simulated shot from the simulated firearm. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of operating the electronic control mechanism to monitor the operation of the mechanical firing mechanism. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  wherein the step of operating the electronic control mechanism to monitor the operation of the mechanical firing mechanism comprises recording the number of times the mechanical firing mechanism is operated. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of operating the electronic control mechanism to alter an operating parameter of the mechanical firing mechanism prior to operating the mechanical firing mechanism. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15  wherein the step of operating the electronic control mechanism to alter an operating parameter of the mechanical firing mechanism comprises operating a locking mechanism to simulate either 1. a misfire or jam in the firearm; or 2. the depletion of simulated ammunition within the simulated magazine. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 12  wherein the steps of operating the mechanical firing mechanism to fire a simulated shot from the simulated firearm and of operating the electronic control mechanism to monitor the operation of the mechanical firing mechanism are synchronized.